Introduction

The 2013 Jeep Compass is a 5-passenger compact crossover SUV available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or a choice of two 4WD systems, including a full-time 4WD system with low range and a raised suspension for tackling more rigorous terrain. The Compass was introduced for the 2007 model year as an entry-level SUV, slotted below the Jeep Wrangler. Its main competitors include the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson. Three trim levels are available for the 2013 Jeep Compass: Sport, Latitude and Limited. The 2013 Jeep Compass is little changed from the previous model year, but its manual-transmission version gets slightly higher gas mileage on the highway.

Interior Features

The base Compass Sport is equipped with air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, rechargeable and removable flashlight, and an outside temperature indicator. The 2013 Jeep Compass Latitude comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), remote engine starting, heated front seats, fold-flat front passenger seat, and a 115-volt power inverter. The Compass Limited is equipped with a power driver seat, automatic climate control, and a hard-drive entertainment system with an in-dash touch screen. With the rear seats in use, the 2013 Jeep Compass can accommodate up to 22.7 cubic feet of cargo, and as much as 53.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The optional fold-flat front passenger seat expands the cargo area to 62.7 cubic feet.

Optional Features

Options for the 2013 Jeep Compass Sport include 4WD, CVT, and a larger, more powerful engine. An upgraded stereo system includes satellite radio, USB port, CD changer, Bluetooth calling and music streaming, as well as a mobile Wi-Fi connection. Front-seat side-impact air bags are also optional on this trim level. The Compass Latitude offers an optional power sunroof, hard-drive entertainment system with an in-dash touch screen, DVD player, and a premium sound system with articulating tailgate speakers. A Trailer Tow Prep Group option package is available only on Compass models equipped with the 2.4-liter engine, and it provides a 2,000-pound towing capacity, full-size spare tire, and an engine oil cooler. Exclusive options for the Limited trim level include a navigation system, Sirius Travel Link service, and 18-inch chrome wheels. All trim levels may add all-terrain tires, tow hooks, and skid plates.

Under the Hood

The Compass Sport and Compass Latitude trim levels equipped with FWD offer a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 141 lb.-ft. of torque. The Compass Sport comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the Latitude trim level is equipped with a CVT that's optional on the Compass Sport. The Compass Limited and all 4WD models have a 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 165 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2013 Compass offers a choice of two 4WD systems. Freedom Drive I is essentially an all-wheel-drive system. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group option includes the 2.4-liter engine and a more robust 4WD system, along with tow hooks, full-size spare tire, hill-descent control, hill-start assist, brake traction control, engine oil cooler, and the ability to drive through up to 19 inches of water, according to Jeep.

Safety

Standard safety equipment for the 2013 Jeep Compass includes front and side curtain air bags, traction control, stability control with electronic roll mitigation technology, anti-lock brakes, and hill-start assist. Front-seat side-impact air bags, and hill-hold and hill-descent control, are optional.

In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2013 Jeep Compass received an overall rating of 3 (out of 5) stars: 3 for frontal crash protection; 4 for side crash protection; and 4 for rollover protection. As this preview is written, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not rated the crashworthiness of the 2013 Jeep Compass.

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They may not be something you think about very often, but your vehicle's brakes are one feature that should always be in top working condition. Let's look at how to know when you need new brakes.Look, listenThere are two ways to check for brake wear on disc brakes: by looking and by listening. First, check for wear by looking at your brake pads through the spaces between the wheel's spokes. The outside pad will be pressed against a metal rotor. Generally, there should be at least 1/4 inch of pad. If you see less than 1/4 inch of pad, you may want to have your brake pads inspected or replaced.